The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5203 for limitation of motion. The evidence does not show additional functional loss due to pain or other factors warranting a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left shoulder impingement has been shown to cause limited range of motion, but no more than what is contemplated by the current 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5203. There is no evidence of dislocation, ankylosis, or other factors warranting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Impingement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 23, 2015
- Citation
- 1549327
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1549327.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD, shoulder impingement, shoulder arthroscopic scars, painful scar of the right shoulder, and knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with chondromalacia and Baker's cyst. Service connection was also denied for bilateral hearing loss.
- Granted
The Veteran's past-due benefits were awarded in the June 2021 rating decision, which granted a 20% increased rating for left shoulder impingement. This contributed to his overall 100% disability rating from March 26, 2020.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased rating for left shoulder disability is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for a 70% rating for PTSD, effective July 11, 2017, is granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his left shoulder disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his left shoulder disability, and he did not meet the criteria for a TDIU.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.